Skin Tips For Winter

For many people, the cold clear days of winter bring more than just a rosy glow to the cheeks. They also bring uncomfortable dryness to the skin of the face and body. For some people, the problem is worse than just a general tight, dry feeling: They get skin so dry results in flaking, and cracking. Winter weather is cool and low humidity level result in dry air which then steals moisture away from the skin.

There are several ways to prepare for winter’s effects on facial skin, as well as dealing with wintertime skincare.

Change the cleanser

Cleansers can be extremely drying to the skin, use one with a more hydrating version that contains moisturizing ingredients. After cleansing, don’t leave the skin naked for more than 30 seconds, as this can dehydrate it, leading to increased dryness.

Exfoliation

Moisture can’t get in if the dead cells are too plentiful. Find an exfoliation and use it, then follow immediately with moisture to give a smoother difference. Exfoliating body washes are also helpful in the winter months.

Moisturizer more

This will vary depending on skin type, but in general, heavier creams are best for the dry, cold winter months. Usual warm weather moisturizer is unlikely to be effective in the winter months. Many people who use a light moisturizer in summer need a heavier cream or ointment for the winter. Consider a heavier moisturizer for nighttime use. The nighttime is a great time to allow skin to rest and absorb extra moisture to prepare for the coming day.

Don’t forget about your lips

The lips are more delicate and tend to become chapped due to dehydration, harsh weather and dry air. If lips are flaky, take a clean toothbrush and very gently exfoliate the skin to remove excess skin. Slather on a lip balm and keep reapplying throughout the day.

Dry hands

Apply moisturizer after hand washing and at least several times throughout the day. Keep a bottle of lotion in your desk at work. If hands are very dry, use cream instead of lotion because the former has a higher oil-to-water ratio.

Rough and cracked Feet

Moisturize feet, especially the heels, every day with thick cream containing lactic acid and wear cotton socks to bed.

Watch out for winter sunburn

Many people forget to apply sunscreen in the winter months, but sun damaged and sunburn is just as much as during the hot months. On days when you don’t plan to spend much time outdoors, use an SPF 15 or 30 sunscreen as part of your daily skincare routine, especially on your face. Use an SPF 50 if you will be outdoors for more than an hour.

Hydrate from the inside out

Eating foods high in water content can help hydrate your skin from the inside out. Try cantaloupe, watermelon, apples, oranges, and watery veggies like tomatoes, cauliflower, carrot, and broccoli. Make sure you’re getting enough vitamin C and zinc to support the healthy production of collagen and elastin. Also consider an omega-3 supplement, or consume more fatty fish.

Homemade skincare recipe

Face mask

Mix 2-3 tablespoons of oats and coconut butter (the solid form of coconut oil) then heat it in microwave for 30 seconds or until the mixture becomes a thick paste.

Leave it until warm and spread on the face, leave for 15 minutes then rinse with lukewarm water. The active ingredients for the oats and coconut oil will help to restore you skin barrier, leaving the skin silky smooth.

Face night moisturizer

Use coconut oil in place of night cream for dry skin. Coconut oil helps increasing hydration and reducing water loss. Also, it highly contains vitamin E which helps to protect skin and the fatty acids in the oil will strengthen the skin’s barrier to lock in moisture. For acne-prone skin, add a little coconut oil in normal moisturizer.

Body Butter

Mix shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil and essential oil such as rosewood or jasmine. Apply it on after the shower to lock moisture.